Smoking or nicotine addiction has emerged as a widespread epidemic and is amongst the major causes of deaths globally. At present, the world comprises around 1.1-1.3 billion tobacco users and this is predicted to reach 1.6 billion by the next two decades. This is why almost all major countries around the world have undertaken a number of steps for the eradication of these crisis. The promotion of smoking cessation products, ban on smoking in public, and greater taxes are amongst the many initiatives being implemented across the world. Smoking cessation products have emerged as a good option for tobacco addicts.

Tobacco comprises nicotine, which results in addiction owing to the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, glutamate, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Smoking cessation, also called as nicotine de-addiction, involves enabling the addict to tolerate the withdrawal symptoms of nicotine by the use of a number of products. Transparency Market Research (TMR) studies the market for smoking cessation & nicotine de-addiction products and answers a number of key questions relevant to the market.

Q. What are the products utilized in the smoking cessation and nicotine de-addiction market? Which products amongst them drive the business performance?

The global smoking cessation and nicotine de-addiction products market encompasses nicotine replacement therapy products, drug therapy, and E-cigarettes. Nicotine de-addiction therapy products are further segmented into nicotine gums, nicotine transdermal patches, nicotine lozenges, nicotine sprays, nicotine inhalers, and nicotine sublingual tablets. Drug therapy is further segmented into Zyban and Chantix/Champix. NRT products have always been the first line of treatment. However, the segment of electronic cigarettes is presently the top segment and has the potential to change the entire market dynamics, with a double-digit growth rate expected between 2015 and 2023.

Q. What are the pipeline products or competitive developments poised to excel in the coming years?

A number of smoking cessation treatments are still in different clinical trial stages. NicVAX plus Varenicline, manufactured by Nabi Biopharmaceuticals with support from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), has completed 3 trials. A vaccine named TA-NIC is in its development stage and is being produced by Celtic Pharmaceuticals. This vaccine will promote the formation of human anti-nicotine antibodies for destroying nicotine within the human body and preventing it from entering the brain. Furthermore, GSK598809 is under development by GlaxoSmithKline and this drug works by modulating the nicotine ‘reward’.

Q. What are the factors supporting and restraining the growth of the market?

The market for smoking cessation and nicotine de-addiction products is majorly fuelled by the increasing awareness about smoking cessation therapies and the health hazards of smoking. In addition, the launch of a number of new products in the market have made it easier for individuals to quit smoking and has increased the demand for smoking cessation products, hence boosting the growth of the market. Furthermore, governments of numerous nations are emphasizing on stringent regulations for controlling tobacco addiction owing to its hazardous effects on the respiratory and cardiac systems. On the other hand, a number of legal obligations have impeded the growth of numerous smoking cessation products, posing negative impact on the growth of the market.